Cadaveric Identification of a Left-Sided Inferior Vena Cava and Its Embryologic Basis
Faculty Mentor
n/a
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Medical College of Georgia - Savannah Campus
Department
n/a
Abstract
The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in the body and typically forms from the union of the common iliac veins, ascending along the right side of the vertebral column to return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium. Although variations in IVC anatomy are uncommon, they hold important clinical relevance for surgical procedures, radiologic interpretation, and vascular interventions. One such variation is a left-sided inferior vena cava (L-IVC), a rare anomaly reported in approximately 0.2–0.5% of the population. This study reports a case of a left-sided IVC identified during routine cadaveric dissection through an institutional body donation program. The abdomen was systematically dissected to examine major abdominal vasculature, with particular focus on the aorta and the IVC and its tributaries. The IVC was observed on the left side of the abdomen, formed by the union of the common iliac veins at the level of L5. It ascended along the left side of the vertebral column and received the left renal vein before crossing anterior to the abdominal aorta below the superior mesenteric artery to assume its normal right-sided course. Additional findings included venous drainage from the right renal and gonadal veins and the presence of an accessory renal artery supplying the superior pole of the left kidney. Recognition of such variants is important for accurate imaging interpretation and safe surgical planning. This case highlights the educational and clinical value of cadaveric dissection in identifying vascular variations and reinforcing anatomical understanding
Program Description
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Start Date
4-21-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-21-2026 3:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Majithia, Manini; Dossani, Aysha; Phillips, Dakota; and Koshi, Rachel, "Cadaveric Identification of a Left-Sided Inferior Vena Cava and Its Embryologic Basis" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 78.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/78
Cadaveric Identification of a Left-Sided Inferior Vena Cava and Its Embryologic Basis
Savannah Ballroom
The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in the body and typically forms from the union of the common iliac veins, ascending along the right side of the vertebral column to return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium. Although variations in IVC anatomy are uncommon, they hold important clinical relevance for surgical procedures, radiologic interpretation, and vascular interventions. One such variation is a left-sided inferior vena cava (L-IVC), a rare anomaly reported in approximately 0.2–0.5% of the population. This study reports a case of a left-sided IVC identified during routine cadaveric dissection through an institutional body donation program. The abdomen was systematically dissected to examine major abdominal vasculature, with particular focus on the aorta and the IVC and its tributaries. The IVC was observed on the left side of the abdomen, formed by the union of the common iliac veins at the level of L5. It ascended along the left side of the vertebral column and received the left renal vein before crossing anterior to the abdominal aorta below the superior mesenteric artery to assume its normal right-sided course. Additional findings included venous drainage from the right renal and gonadal veins and the presence of an accessory renal artery supplying the superior pole of the left kidney. Recognition of such variants is important for accurate imaging interpretation and safe surgical planning. This case highlights the educational and clinical value of cadaveric dissection in identifying vascular variations and reinforcing anatomical understanding
